Jusin Estes laid to rest

Funeral services for 25-year-old Justin Estes were held at the high school gym in Oden, where he graduated in 2000. Hundreds of family members and friends were on hand to say goodbye to their hometown hero.

A proud member of the military, Justin Estes was on his second tour of duty. He’s the first such casualty for Montgomery county since 1952.

Armed with signs and waving the American flag, dozens lined the roadway leading to Oden High School in a final tribute to one of the community's beloved sons. Justin Estes would have been home from Iraq already, but he volunteered to swap with a fellow soldier whose wife just had a baby. It was the kind of compassion those who knew him say was characteristic of the young soldier.

Military officials say he was trying to help save others trapped in a humvee last Monday after a roadside bomb detonated, when a second device claimed his life.

Estes' service was complete with military honors. The gym where he spent many of his high school days as a basketball player was packed. His coach shared personal reflections.

From KATV 7

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